Chile's ties with China must be lifted to new level: new ambassador

Chile's ties with China must
advance to higher level, Chile's new Ambassador Jorge Heine said
Tuesday before leaving for Beijing.

Heine said his three basic tasks
will be to diversify Chile's exports to China, promote Chinese
investment in Chile, and increase the flow of people in both
directions.

"Trade ties between China and Chile
are on a very good footing. Trade flows in both directions are
flowing very well," he said, adding "China's demand for copper
continues to rise, which is very important for Chile."

But he also said, "It is important
to diversify this basket of exports: only 15 percent of Chile's
exports to China aren't copper," adding Chile is looking to export
more cellulose, wine and agricultural products to China.

Heine stressed that promoting
investment from China will also be one of his major tasks, noting
infrastructure projects, such as ports and railroads, will offer
Chinese investors good opportunities.

"China has the best technology in
the world in bullet trains ... and there are interesting
opportunities there," he said.

"We have been very focused on
buying and selling, but to consolidate the relationship it's also
important to have a flow of people, both from tourism and from
students," the ambassador said. Endi